Northern Trails Free-Ski Season Kick-Off

Written by admin on 10 January 2011

Weather was ideal for a crisp day of cross-country skiing on Saturday's Free-Ski Day. Photos courtesy of Northern Trails X-Country Ski Club.

MANITOUWADGE, ON – Saturday, January 8th the Northern Trails Cross-Country Ski Club held their annual free-ski day. Andrea Richard, Northern Trails Media Representative was very happy with community response “[The] Kick-Off was a huge success seeing more participants than ever!” she added that “rentals flew of the shelf and the fire kept on burning through the afternoon for skiers stopping by for roasted hot dogs and marshmallows”. The event was attended by children, seniors and adults, with the bulk of participants being families who were skiing together.

Cross-country skiers enjoy a free ski day on the Northern Trails Ski Club's beautifully groomed trails. Photos courtesy Northern Trails X-Country Ski Club.

The free-ski day helps promote the club’s trails; offering free services to allow people to try without committing to a membership while also giving members a day to get together.

The Northern Trails X-Country Ski Club is proud to welcome approximately 40-70 members each year, in addition to those who do not purchase a membership but regularly ski using the daily rate option. Their membership is comprised of adults,children and seniors, including members under the age of 3 travelling on their parents back in a backpack and several 70+ seniors.

2011 will be a very busy season for the Northern Trails Club with many events planned including a Poker Run during Frosty Days, Jack Rabbit Program for children and Full Moon Skies, all of these offered thanks to their dedicated volunteers.

The Northern Trails X-Country Ski Club maintains trails which can be accessed via the Community Clubhouse (a.k.a. Golf Hut) or Kiwissa Ski Centre parking lot. The Community Clubhouse is newly renovated with a fireplace, Sirus Radio, leather chairs, cappuccino & coffee machine and a staff of friendly volunteers it is open every weekend 12-4pm.

At the Community Clubhouse, would-be skiers can also take advantage of a broad equipment selection for all ages which now includes snowshoe rentals as well. Rental fees are : $5 for members to rent for the day, $10 for non-members. The trails are reported to be in great shape as both the Clubhouse (golf course) trails and Kiwissa Trails are regularly groomed. Other:

Northern Trails X-Country Ski Club acknowledges support from many sources, Richard said they are “Grateful for the many grants they received, positive feedback they have received from the public and ongoing support from Township of Manitouwadge and Economic Development Office” noting that without their dedicated volunteers their continued success would not be possible.

JOIN IN THE FUN:

Full Moon Ski on January 19th.
Poker Ski and free ski day during frosty days.
Jack Rabbit Program for children who are members of the club wanting to learn how to x-country ski- begins Saturday Jan. 15th.